I have been searching for years for episodes of a local syndicated kids tv show from about 1978/79-1980: Romper Room, Baltimore. A call (about 10 years ago) to the tv station says the tapes were distroyed in a fire. Superficial internet searches say that episodes were routinely taped over. I know that the show was in syndicate and episodes from 1980 were being aired as late as 1985. Even if the original tapes weren't available, homes had vcr's by 1985 and there is a chance that someone out there has them.

But how do I find them? I don't know where to begin. Any know of websites/message boards that may cater to obscure tv?

I don't have a direct answer to your question, but I do have a resource you might try: <a href="http://ask.metafilter.com/">Ask Metafilter</a>. It costs $5 to join Metafilter, and I think you may have to wait a week to ask a question after joining, but it's well worth it!